career

Now that technology has widened the reach of visual artists, it does not make selling artworks any easier. Many artists sell their own works in their studios, in online galleries and thousands of art fairs, but regardless of the efforts, many still end up unsuccessful. Just because you created the artwork yourself, does mean that you know how to sell it.

It takes more than your stunning artwork to make a sale. Most artists share a common struggle – they are not as good when it comes to marketing and sales. Here are five things you need to know first before trying to sell your artwork online or even before you hire an art curator.

Define Your Target Audience

Who is your ideal buyer? Most often than not, there are artists who do not bother to ask this question.

Who are you trying to sell your artwork to? You can’t just say anybody can buy your work. That is too broad. Any marketing campaign starts by defining its audience to make a more targeted approach. Take some time to visualize your ideal customer. What are their interests, concern, and hobbies? Are they seasoned art buyers or millennials looking for fresh inspiration to hang on their walls?

Too many artists believe that they can make a sale by casting nets too wide. However, you could also end up wasting your time, effort and money. Take a more specific approach by offering the target audience what they like.

What is Your Art About

Buyers are interested in the background of the artwork and the artist as much as the stunning art itself. Whether you are an oil painter, a paper artist, a wood sculptor or a wildlife photographer, a story behind your art can captivate buyers.

If you have a social media account, you can post behind the scenes of your projects and techniques. Ensure that people get to understand your statement. Use layman’s term instead of art jargons that only you and fellow artist can understand.

You don’t have to tell them about work alone. Share how you get your inspirations and where your work is coming from to make them feel comfortable. This way, you can engage your target audience and make them feel close to you to build your clientele. Make it a good mix of interesting stories and exciting information on your upcoming artwork.

Where They Can Find You

It is vital for your target audience to know where they can find you and your artwork. This means you have to tell them where your artwork has been featured and displayed. Share which gallery displayed your artwork or which magazine and institutions feature it.

Of course, this will take some time. That’s why you have to think outside the box. When James Clarke lost his job as a photographic editor of a national newspaper, he thought he could grab the chance and be a freelancer. Unfortunately, no curators are interested in displaying his photos. So he tried another approach. Since he is diabetic, he took vibrant photos of other diabetic individuals. This is gladly received by the Diabetes UK and even gave him the commission. Additionally, the images now toured England as a large exhibition.

When Can You Sell Your Art

Always be ready to sell your art. You’ll never know when you’ll get an opportunity. Always bring a business card and make sure that your website address is there. Have your website with your complete details as an artist since your website can be visited anywhere and anytime.

How Do You Want to Be Known

Always be professional when trying to make an offer or meeting other artists. When creating a network with other artists and galleries, be sure to present yourself professionally. If you want to submit an artwork, follow submission guidelines to the letter. You may demand technical excellence but always keep your ego in check. People love an approachable artist.

If you post in your social media or reply to a comment, make sure to be respectable and humble.

Everyone in the office has its ups and down experiences towards the tasks or to someone they are working with. If you consistently dragging yourself to go to work and finding the motivation to accomplish tasks seems impossible, here are the signs indicating that it’s time to quit your office job.

1. No room for advancements

May it be personal or career advancement and even financial freedom, spending time working for a company that does not provide adequate new learnings, it’s best to leave your office job. No one should be stuck working for a company just to make ends meet. If you are no longer happy, just leave.

2. You keep on justifying your work.

Do you always say these statements whenever your friends ask why you’re still in the wrong company?

“The pay is not quite good and even my boss is too demanding but, the benefits are okay.”

“I’ve been in the company for five years, I just can’t leave it.”

“I already know the workaround, I just can’t see myself moving into a new company and adjusting for another office culture.”

It’s not bad if you are the only one in your college batch mates who do not have the financial freedom and investments. But the mere fact that working in a company for so many years without any savings and investments is the sure sign that the current company is not the best one for you.

3. You rant too much about your job

If the working environment, as well as your colleagues, bring you a negative vibe, there is the tendency that you will become one of them too. Being pessimist leads you to depression
and you are losing the opportunities that can help you improve your financial status. If you happen to experience these signs, it’s time to get out and look for another opportunity. If you insist to stay, there will be a domino effect in your life including emotional and mental stability, financial freedom and most of all you’re blocking career advancements that you deserve.

According to studies, mothers are better money managers. They manage the family finance well and know how to tighten the purse during critical periods.

Here are top reasons why:

#1 – Women worry about family financials
Whether they are stay-at-home or working moms, married women are more concerned about family finance. They make sure that every dollar is spent wisely. They make a budget and stick to it. Moms look into the future more and encourage husbands to invest for children’s college education fund or retirement plans.

#2 – Women monitor spending
Women especially moms keep track of their monthly expenses. They are aware of due dates of bills, credit card payment schedules, and other payables. They usually keep a written record of their daily or weekly spending and compare month-by-month expenses.

#3 – Women are remarkably organized
Women are more meticulous and detail-oriented compared to men. Most display perfectionist-like characteristics and want everything organized. Attention to details and organization are vital to financial management.

#4 – Women have more self-control
Most women who become moms can control their impulses to spend recklessly. They learn to curb their personal wants and prioritize the needs of the family. Family finance is more important for them.

#5 – Women are less competitive
Once married, women can take their competitive spirit to avoid financial mistakes that will affect the whole family. They become more concerned with the needs instead of “keeping up with the Joneses.” They like to hold on to long-term viable investments instead of buying luxurious things that can put a dent of their savings fund or budget.

#6 – Women are careful investors
They avoid risks that can potentially affect the financial portfolio of the family. Unlike men are aggressive investors, married women slow down and carefully select options that will benefit the family in the future.

#7 – Women seek advice
When it comes to investment-related matters, women listen to professional experts. They believe that financial advisors can help them weigh the best options. They want to be assured of the real value of the investment.

All these traits are essentials to manage family finance. The smarter and wiser the moms are, the better for the whole family.

Looking for the first project that will usher you into the event planning industry is the hardest part. It is important that you expand your job search from the traditional classified
ads to the places that offer direct opportunities for aspiring event planners like you.

Here are the great places to start with:

Family and Friends Social Events

This is the easiest way to jumpstart your career. Offer your services to relatives and friends who have milestones to celebrate. Advertise your talent and skills through your impeccable
planning and coordinating the event.

Service and Non-Profit Organizations

These organizations have a full calendar of activities. Access the opportunities that they offer and learn hands-on experiences of organizing the myriad of reach out activities they
do the whole year-round.

Convention Centers and Hotels Get a job in the hotel industry.

Learn as much as you can while you are employed. You can
also aim for a higher position by proving yourself as capable, reliable, and skillful staff. Work smart and hone your talents while preparing for your own event planning business
in the near future.

Event Rental and Catering Companies These companies work in tandem with lots of corporations, customers, and venues. They provide essential services and products for any kind of events. Learn and master the essentials of rental services by joining the team.

Corporations

Launch your career by joining the event-planning department of top corporations. This department is responsible to organize various seminars, training, off-site meetings, and
conferences.

Event planning is an exciting career that can be a lucrative business in the future. Practice your craft as soon as you graduate. Get additional training, volunteer your service, create
your own events, and broaden your job search parameters. Do not limit yourself to one niche. Consider related jobs such as office coordinator, project coordinator, or event marketing staff. The more you learn, the easier for you to get your dream job in the
industry.